What are Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals characterized by a strong bond between fluorine and carbon. Because of this strong bond, PFAS provide resilience and durability. These properties are useful to the performance of hundreds of industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, apparels, upholstery, food paper wrappings, wire and cable coatings and in the manufacturing of semiconductors.

PFAS are also referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are considered persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) and can easily pass into and accumulate in air, dust, food, soil and water.

What makes PFAS partly indispensable are unique physical properties such as water and grease repellent, the ability to reduce friction and high thermal and chemical stability, which make them suitable for a wide range of different applications.

PFAS has brought a lot of convenience to human production and life. However, it is difficult to degrade in the environment and has high bioaccumulation. Many countries and regions have adopted laws and regulations to control the production and use of PFAS.